The Royal Treatment

When it comes to modifying vintage trucks, there's no question that upgraded suspensions are at the top of most enthusiasts' wish lists. Let's face it, the phrase "rides like a truck" was basically inspired by pickups from the '40s and '50s, and it wasn't meant as a compliment! So it's no wonder that a more comfortable ride (and a better stance) is something that we're all seeking from our street-cruising haulers.

Now we all know that there are a variety of aftermarket IFS conversion kits available for most classic trucks, and grafting on a later-model IFS subframe is still a popular practice. But let's face it -- there are some folks who can't afford an aftermarket IFS setup and don't have the welding savvy and chassis-building skills to complete a subframe swap. Fortunately, a variety of companies offer components (mono-leaf springs, disc brake kits, etc.) for assembling safe, upgraded front suspensions based on original I-beam axle designs. But up until now, one weak link has remained when rebuilding a beam-axle front end: the kingpin. Original equipment kingpins and brass bushing-equipped spindles from the late-'40s and early-'50s are not exactly what you'd call precision components. Such setups worked fine when new, but are prone to wear and don't do much for handling or steering performance.

That's why we were very happy to see the latest offering from Stainless Steel Brakes Corporation. The company's new Royal King Pin kits for '41-54 Chevy and '37-48 Ford trucks are a great way to bring improved handling and steering response to vintage trucks. These kingpin kits offer several improvements over OEM designs. First, they use needle bearings instead of brass bushings, so lubrication, longevity and steering response are all vastly improved. Furthermore, the kingpins themselves are made of hardened stainless steel. In fact, everything in the kit is either stainless steel or chrome plated for quality and appearance. Best of all, the kingpin kits are designed to fit stock spindles and come complete with an installation tool that makes the job a straightforward affair. And as if that's not enough, SSBC also offers a bolt-on disc brake conversion kit to complement the new kingpin assembly (as well as other straight-axle truck applications).

We recently had the opportunity to watch the installation of a Royal King Pin kit on a '50 Chevy pickup. The straight-axle Chevy was similar to many modernized haulers, as it had already been treated to a crate small block, Turbo 350 and nine-inch rearend. The kingpin kit was a natural addition to the list of modifications, and the accompanying disc brake kit was also a slam dunk. These two modifications alone will make a significant driveability improvement on most vintage trucks, but this particular Chevy was also treated to new Eaton "Rod Ride" leaf springs, a No Limit power steering conversion, and a tilt column for the utmost in bolt-on upgrades.

Follow along and we'll show you the details of the Royal King Pin upgrade. As you'll see, the swap is a fairly simple operation that most enthusiasts could easily tackle in their home garage. Even better than that, it's an upgrade that offers definite handling, steering and maintenance improvements without totally breaking the bank.